Tuesday, December 13th brings the Fast of St. Lucy, or Lucia.
From Bulter's Lives of the Saints:
December 13.—ST. LUCY, Virgin, Martyr. THE mother of St. Lucy suffered four years from an issue of blood, and the help of man failed. St. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel had been healed of the same disorder. "St. Agatha," she said, "stands ever in the sight of Him for Whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed." They spent the night praying by the tomb, till, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. St. Agatha appeared in vision to St. Lucy, and calling her sister, foretold her mother's recovery and her own martyrdom. That instant the cure was affected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and consecrate her virginity to Christ. A young man to whom she had been promised in marriage accused her as a Christian to the heathen; but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin whom He had chosen for His own. The fire kindled around her did her no hurt. Then the sword was plunged into her heart, and the promise made at the tomb of St. Agatha was fulfilled.
Reflection.—The Saints had to bear sufferings and. temptations greater far than yours. How did they overcome them? By the love of Christ. Nourish this pure love by meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life; and, above all, by devotion to the Holy Eucharist, which is the antidote against sin and the pledge of eternal life.
The Feast of Saint Lucia is celebrated in many different countries from Sweden to Poland to Austria. This will be our first year celebrating such an exciting feast. One of the best resources that was given to us for this feast day is the book Lucia, Saint of Light. It's a great picture book for kids that explains the story of St. Lucia and also many of the traditions surrounding her.
From Bulter's Lives of the Saints:
December 13.—ST. LUCY, Virgin, Martyr. THE mother of St. Lucy suffered four years from an issue of blood, and the help of man failed. St. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel had been healed of the same disorder. "St. Agatha," she said, "stands ever in the sight of Him for Whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed." They spent the night praying by the tomb, till, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. St. Agatha appeared in vision to St. Lucy, and calling her sister, foretold her mother's recovery and her own martyrdom. That instant the cure was affected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and consecrate her virginity to Christ. A young man to whom she had been promised in marriage accused her as a Christian to the heathen; but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin whom He had chosen for His own. The fire kindled around her did her no hurt. Then the sword was plunged into her heart, and the promise made at the tomb of St. Agatha was fulfilled.
Reflection.—The Saints had to bear sufferings and. temptations greater far than yours. How did they overcome them? By the love of Christ. Nourish this pure love by meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life; and, above all, by devotion to the Holy Eucharist, which is the antidote against sin and the pledge of eternal life.
The Feast of Saint Lucia is celebrated in many different countries from Sweden to Poland to Austria. This will be our first year celebrating such an exciting feast. One of the best resources that was given to us for this feast day is the book Lucia, Saint of Light. It's a great picture book for kids that explains the story of St. Lucia and also many of the traditions surrounding her.
Traditionally Lussekatter Buns are made and served by the chosen Lucia for the year as she wears a candle of crowns upon her, dressed in a white gown with a red sash. Our newest addition is receiving the honor of being St. Lucia this year and a cousin was gracious enough to sew up a little St. Lucia Dress for her. We purchased a battery operated crown of candles for safety reasons. Usually this event is in the morning with the chosen Lucia awaking family members with the treats. For this year we are going to have our treats after dinner so that all members of the family will be home and can participate.
St. Lucia is usually not without some attendants and so our two boys will be dressed up as star boys with star hats and white gowns and a candle assisting St. Lucia as she hands out the treats. Here is a link for making a Lucia Crown and Star boy hats.
We will also be doing some fun activities throughout the day such as Math with St. Lucia File Folder Games, St. Lucia Word Find, St. Lucia Maze, St. Lucy coloring pages (and here) and maybe some more crafts if we have time. We will also be planting our Christmas Wheat. And not to be forgotten is the song about St. Lucia, there are a couple of videos here of some beautiful versions but my favorite so far is the one by Andrea Bocelli. What are you doing to celebrate St. Lucy's Feast Day? Share on our Link Up below!
